Kent Reporter, October 10, 2014

Page 1

INSIDE | Work to begin on traffic calming projects [2]

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Sports | Royals rock Chargers in SPSL football action, improve to 4-1 [10]

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014

Council votes to ban recreational pot businesses BY STEVE HUNTER shunter@kentreporter.com

The Kent City Council voted 5-2 to keep all recreational marijuana businesses out of town. But rather than passing another

temporary moratorium, the council adopted an ordinance to ban recreational marijuana retail, production and processing facilities. The vote on Tuesday night follows the earlier recommendations of the council’s Economic and

Community Development Committee as well as the city’s Land Use and Planning Board. Council members Bill Boyce, Jim Berrios, Les Thomas, Dana Ralph and Deborah Ranniger voted for the ban. Dennis Higgins and Brenda

Fincher opposed it. “We had the moratoriums along the way to make sure we got all the facts and data to make sure we’re making the right decision for the city,” Boyce said prior to the vote. “I definitely like to be in

first on the leading edge on lots of things but I don’t think this is best for the city of Kent at this time so I will support the ordinance.” Voters statewide passed [ more BAN page 19 ]

Committee OKs big jump in garbage taxes BY STEVE HUNTER shunter@kentreporter.com

The city of Kent’s garbage taxes on residents and businesses will jump to 18.3 percent from 7.8 percent under a proposal approved by a City Council committee. The Public Works Committee voted 2-0 on Monday to recommend the full seven-member council approve the tax increase to help pay for about $3 million of street maintenance projects per year. Council

Construction scheduled to start next year on Kent Station Apartments

RENAMED IN HER HONOR City officials and family members help unveil the Hogan Park at Russell Road archway sign in honor of former mayor Isabel Hogan, second from the left above and far right, at a renaming ceremony in the park last Saturday morning. The City Council approved the change last month to honor the long service and legacy of its first

BY STEVE HUNTER

female mayor who was in office from 1970 to 1986. “I’m overwhelmed,” Hogan, 93, told the crowd at the celebration in the park. “I appreciate this great honor. Thank you all.” Story, page 5.

shunter@kentreporter.com

Seattle developer Tarragon plans to start construction in January on a 154-unit apartment complex at the Kent Station shopping center.

MARK KLAAS, Kent Reporter

Study: district chief’s work not related to student achievement BY ROSS COYLE rcoyle@kentreporter.com

A recent study suggests that superintendents might not be as crucial to school districts as previ-

ously assumed. The Brookings Institute study examined school districts in Florida and North Carolina, with more than 2 millions students per

year, between 2000 and 2009, and discovered that maybe district superintendents aren’t as important as they first appear to be. The study concluded that

BOOK YOUR SPECIAL EVENT or HOLIDAY PARTY in OUR BANQUET ROOMS or LOUNGE We also provide catering for small or large parties. Call for reservations.

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superintendents are a small facet in a much larger district performance, and that few stayed in a district longer than four years. Among the institute’s chief

President Dana Ralph and Councilwoman Brenda Fincher voted to approve the tax jump. The council will consider the proposal on Oct. 21. Despite the proposed jump in taxes for next year, city staff told the committee Kent would still have some of the lowest rates around for single-family residents who now pay $17.04 per month for garbage, recycling and yard waste service. [ more TAXES page 4 ]

The company hopes complete the apartment complex by spring 2016, said Kristen Link, Tarragon development manager, in an Oct. 2 interview. “We’re working with the city on permitting,” Link said. “We’re looking to start construction in January 2015 but until the permits [ more TARRAGON page 4 ]

INSIDE: Edward Lee Vargas to step down as Kent superintendent, page 8

findings are that superintendencies are typically short-term jobs lasting three to four years, that student achievement does not [ more STUDY page 8 ]

2014

Suzanne & Jim Berrios, Owners

23826 104th Ave. SE Kent

253-852-1144

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